Kerikeri redwoods deemed a risk to life and property
Two groups of mature redwood trees in Kerikeri that pose an ‘unacceptable risk’ to life and property will be removed after a decision by Far North District Council’s Chief Executive, acting under delegated authority, after an investigation of a near-miss incident following Cyclone Tam in April this year.
The trees, located on Wendywood Lane and Hawkings Cresent, were planted in the 1940s as shelterbelts for adjacent farmland but today are surrounded by urban development, including retail to the north and the Kerikeri Retirement Village to the south.
During Cyclone Tam, when gusts of 96 to 156 km/h were recorded, a 30m redwood gave way, landing on and crushing a maintenance shed at the neighbouring Kerikeri Retirement Village. The council was advised that a gardener who had been inside the shed, escaped seconds before impact. WorkSafe NZ has now accepted a ‘near-fatality’ notification. This is the third serious incident involving the trees and the retirement home since 2018, with previous incidents including branches striking the hospital wing and a resident’s car.
Since the most recent April event, a review has been carried out with village representatives and WorkSafe NZ, and an arborist’s assessment undertaken. While the arborist found no immediate stem-cracks in the redwoods, there was evidence of root-plate movement on four trees. The report questioned the stability of the trees during extreme weather and said that pruning alone would be an insufficient remedy.
Ordinarily, decisions about significant trees on council reserves sit with community boards, which hold delegated responsibility for parks and reserves and consult with affected residents before any removal proceeds.
As the landowner, the council however has a duty of care obligation to take steps to remove or reduce hazards that could cause loss or harm to neighbouring people and properties. Based on that legal advice and the review its relevant policies, including Tree and Vegetation Guidelines, Reserves, and Health & Safety policies, Far North District Council Chief Executive Guy Holroyd has exercised his delegated authority to approve removal of all the trees.
Background
The trees’ proximity to residential and commercial areas has been of concern for over a decade. Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board canvassed for the trees’ removal in 2014. However, 84 per cent of submitters opposed the felling and an annual inspection regime was undertaken instead. In May this year, the council removed two at-risk trees, programmed removal of one further tree, and undertook canopy dead-wooding, shoot removal and ground-mulching to improve resilience.
The Proposed District Plan lists both redwood stands as notable making their removal a ‘restricted discretionary’ activity. However, if emergency works are required to prevent imminent danger, removal is permitted under the Resource Management Act.
Main photo - the redwoods in proximity to the New World supermarket in Kerikeri.
Below - the redwoods in proximity to the Kerikeri Retirement Village.
